Dallas Cowboys Nation

Monthly Archives: January 2010

NFC East Grudge Match In The Wild Card Round

Never without some excitement to keep us reeling, the NFC East is going postseason this year. We just watched the Eagles fall on their face in Dallas as the Cowboys went on to a historical win and the top of the division, and now we get to look forward to a grudge match like only the rivalries of the NFC East can supply.

Their records are identical, they have the same wins and losses at home, on the road, and in the division – you couldn’t find a more evenly matched game if you hand picked the teams.

They’ve got similar sacks, similar touchdowns, similar passing and rushing yards, so where is the difference in this matchup that’s going to be a difference maker? Points!

The Eagles are riding high atop their best point total in franchise history at 429, which is the exact number of points they had before last week’s game. The Cowboys are at a more modest 363 points through the first 16 games. That’s the difference.

The Cowboys have only allowed an average of 15.6 points per game this season and have really been cracking down on that seemingly high number as of late. Riding a three-game winning streak, the ‘Boys have only given up 17 points in that span, and that was to the New Orleans Saints – a far cry from the Eagles by any perspective.

What’s more is that this Eagles offense is preparing to be the unit that wins the game. Through the air or on the ground doesn’t matter, but you don’t expect to win with defense when you’re offense has been the real heater during the year. The problem that just might throw a huge kink into their plans is that their offense, rated highly among all experts and most game logs, hasn’t been able to produce against the Cowboys this year.

Add to the mix the Eagles average points allowed per game at 21.1 and the fact that they are 664 yards behind Dallas in total offense this year, and you get what should be a slugfest. The normally high scoring Philly offense Vs. the new Dallas Doomsday Defense – a matchup that should fall the way of the plains in a Dallas victory.

I’ll let the averages do the pick for me.

Cowboys 21 – Eagles 7

Now let’s give it up Cowboys fans. The team has asked us two weeks in a row to pump up the volume and put some meaning behind home-field-advantage this year. Get up. Get loud.

Daily Dose 1-5-2010

Continuing on with the Washington Redskins saga, high profile coach Mike Shanahan met with Reskins officials Monday morning.  We expect that the deal could be finalized as early as Wednesday.  This would begin the “aggressive” changes that that Redskins had talked about making this season.  With Mike Shanahan as a coach you automatically have to consider Washington a threat on all levels.

Coach Shanahan is 146-98 as a starter.  His teams usually specialize in rushing offense but his football knowledge is unprecedented.  This will be a huge lift for a bad team.

Harvin Invited to Pro Bowl

Rookie Percy Harvin has been invited to the Pro-Bowl as a Kick returner.  This will give Vikings 9 players going to the Pro-Bowl this season, and their second punt returner (Koren Robinson).  Percy Harvin has been impressive this year, posting a single season franchise record for all-purpose yardage.  In his rookie season Harvin posted 60 receptions for 790 yards and 6 touchdowns.  This is the first of many Pro-Bowls in store for the young Harvin.

Giant Dismissal

Just two days removed from another embarrassing loss, Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan was dismissed from a team that is heavily scrutinizing every position.  The Giants Defense was plagued by injury this season, but that’s hardly an excuse to surrender 427 points in a season (29th in the league).  They were dreadful, who went through the benching of Osi Umenyiora to the inconsistent play of Michael Boley.

It is unsure what next season will bring to this team but it will involve many changes.  However, we’re not sure what exactly that will change.

Hammers Coming Down Around The League

Seems like just yesterday that the Cowboys pitched their first and historic consecutive shutout streak, completed more total offensive yards than any Cowboys team in history, and that Tony Romo became the first Cowboys QB ever to take every snap during the season. And all that while beating the Eagles and securing the NFC East title for the second time in three seasons.

Oh wait, that was just yesterday. Okay so maybe the Cowboys are the hottest team in the NFC, and possibly the NFL, heading into the playoffs next Saturday night, but the real hot seats are elsewhere in the league.

As though anyone might have doubted it, the Redskins announced the firing of head coach Jim Zorn on Monday after having gone 12-20 in his tenure with the Skins. We’ve been hearing about it for weeks so far and nothing has changed yet – Washington is going after retired coach Mike Shanahan to replace Zorn. Most see this as a good thing considering that Shanahan won with the Bronco’s and that quarterback in the late 90′s, what’s his name? I forget – I never liked that guy. Would rather have seen Favre get his Super Bowl win in 97.

We’re still waiting to see who will be replacing coach Mangini in Cleveland now that Mike Holmgren has taken over the front office.

And the Bills, according to a report citing an anonymous source in the organization, have fired the entire coaching staff after beating the Patriots Sunday 30-7 to finish the season 6-10. Imagine that – firing the entire coaching staff at one time. Looks like there is going to be a lot of work to be done this offseason in Buffalo, and then there’s handling Terrell Owens. Some reports out there are speculating that retired coach Bill Cowher may be going into Buffalo as the cleanup guy. We’ll see.

Elsewhere, Chad Ochocinco has hurt his knee though his status for next week’s playoff game against the Jets is unknown at this point, Wes Welker has all but obliterated his knee and is done for the season, and did I mention that the Eagles got what was coming to them?

Daily Dose 1-4-2010

The Washington Redskins announced today the predictable.  They have fired head coach Jim Zorn after going 12-20 as a Head Coach.  Washington’s GM Bruce Allen was quoted as saying “The status quo is not acceptable, I felt it was necessary to not wast a moment of time to begin building this team into a winner”

The Redskins are expected to take chance on luring Mike Shanahan to the organization which would provide them an intelligent, high profile coach.

Wes Welker Tears MCL, ACL

During a game against the Houston Texans, Wide Receiver Wes Welker hurt his leg while trying to plant his foot after a reception.  The leg bent awkwardly and Welker found himself being carted to the locker room.  This is a huge loss for a New England team who is about to open up the playoffs.  Welker has been the most consistent receiver on the team and in the league, being reliable in all situations.

Doctors and experts expect this to end Welker’s but we’ll keep you updated.

2006 in 2010

Tennessee Running back Chris Johnson became the 6th player in league history to eclipse the 2000 yard mark.  The young back did so on a 4 yard gain in the beginning of the fourth quarter.  Johnson has also set the NFL record for most yards from scrimmage, passing Marshall Faulk’s record of 2,429.

Johnson finished the day with 36 carries for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns.  The Titans would go on to defeat Seattle 17-13.

Daily Dose: 1-2-10

Drama seems to be reappearing in Denver.  Coach McDaniels announced Friday that Brandon Marshall will not be playing in the playoff implication game this Sunday against Kansas City.  Brandon, who was involved in a suspension earlier in the season, was seeking a trade by the deadline.  Once it didn’t work however, Marshall began to play well and developed a good report with his Coach.

The reasons for his inactivation are unsure at this point.  The wide receiver was battling a hamstring injury, but it seems he has also been unaccountable which is a big deal with coach McDaniels.  McDaniels has also indicated the benching of TE Tony Sheffler because of similar reasons.

Fantasy Update

If you’re trying to set your lineup for the Championship Week you might find it difficult.  Since its week 17 some player will sit and some playeres will play.   Here’s a list of recommended starters for this week.

Mohamed Massaquoi @ Jacksonville

Jerome Harrison @ Jacksonville

Miles Austin – PHI

DeSean Jackson @ Dallas

Sydney Rice – NYG

Ray Rice @ OAK

Thomas Jones – CIN

Roddy White @ TB

Questionable starts

Bree’s will not play, Brady will but limited.  If you’re looking for a quarterback and you need one available you might want to head over to your free agent wire and see if Vince Young and Alex Smith are still available.

Eagles @ Cowboys – Game Preview

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
When: January 3, 2010, 3:15 PM

Usually in Week 17 your plans don’t revolve around a weekend of football that will decide division champions, first round byes and rivalries.  This Sunday is different from most.  As the Cowboys stay home to host the Philadelphia Eagles things have never looked better.  The Cowboys, fresh off victories in New Orleans and Washington D.C., have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the league.  Dominating teams offensively and shutting down teams defensively.  This team has gone from December downer to January sleeper and things can’t be looking better for this team.

Unfortunately for Dallas, Philly comes in as a team that might just be a little bit hotter than they are.   DeSean Jackson is leading an Eagles offensive unit that dominates opponents and can easily post 30 points in a game.

More importantly is knowing how intense this rivalry is.  Teams who are playing for it all, leaving nothing left in the tank, making a statement for this upcoming decade.  Tony Vs. Donovan, Jackson Vs. Jenkins, Austin Vs Samuel.  Take your seats, grab some food, have a drink and prepare to witness a battle.


How They Stack Up
11-4 Record 10-5
6-2 Home 5-2
5-2 Road 5-3
4-1 Division 3-2
429 Total Points 339
20.9 Avg Points Allowed 16.7
28.6 Avg Points Per Game 22.6
5498 Total Offense 5916
3898 Pass Yards 3992
1600 Rush Yards 1924
47 TD 40
42 Sacks 37
Won 6 Streak Won 2
1st, NFC East Position 2nd, NFC East


Eagles
(11-4)
Key Matchups

Cowboys
(10-5)
Dallas Defensive Line (3-4)

DE
DT
DE

The Dallas Cowboys come into this matchup with a defensive line that has helped attain 38 sacks this season, while limiting teams to a rushing yards per game average of 94.1 – good for 5th in the league. This unit is highlighted by Pro Bowl Defensive Tackle Jay Ratliff who had 2 sacks against the Redskins last week.

Opposing the Cowboys in the trenches is a tough offensive line for the Philadelphia Eagles. This line has allowed 34 sacks this season and is responsible for the play of Donovan McNabb. If this line wasn’t good, DeSean Jackson wouldn’t be so dominant. The Eagles rank 21st in rushing offense, and have lost their starting center for the remainder of the season.

Advantage: Draw
Philadelphia Offensive Line

LT
LG
C
RG
RT


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Dallas Offensive Line

RT
RG
C
LG
LT

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the largest offensive lines in the league. They lead the way for the leagues 8th best rush offense. They have gotten better lately in protecting Tony Romo but still have obvious weaknesses and that mostly lies at Left Tackle where Flozell Adams isn’t always reliable.

Trent Cole is an animal and will be able to beat Adams from time to time, match that with the improved play of Defensive Tackles Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson and you have a formula for the leagues 8th best rush defense. The real story will lie with the pass rush, the Cowboys have allowed 32 sacks this season, and Tony doesn’t like feeling pressured.

Advantage: Draw
Philadelphia Defensive Line (4-3)

DE
DT
DT
DE


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Dallas Wide Receivers

WR
WR
WR
WR
WR

I’m really struggling with analyzing this matchup. On one hand Miles Austin, Kevin Ogletree, and Crayton have been spot on. Austin is someone you have to account for on every play and even when you do, you still might get burned. Whereas Ogletree and Crayton have offered great plays when they are called upon, they are not called upon as often as Austin. On the other hand, Roy Williams can’t hold onto the ball and Sam Hurd, while good, has been dropping some as well in his limited playing time. Roy says he’s going to get back to basics, but only time will tell if it helps.

Philly offers a decent, not stellar, pass defense that ranks in the middle of the league. There is only one man that really jumps out at me as a game changer and, unfortunately, he’s a big game changer. Asante Samuel is a tough DB to face, he’s a pick 6 threat all day long. This matchup will shape the game.

Advantage: Draw
Philadelphia Defensive Backs

DB
DB
FS
DB
DB


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Dallas Defensive Backs

DB
DB
FS
DB
DB

The Dallas Defense has been stepping up huge lately and may possibly be one of the best defenses in the NFL right now. We’ve seen that they’ve improved many of their flaws but the deep game remains to be seen. Jenkins and Hamlin have been locking down their side of the field, but my biggest concern is Terence Newman. Despite his All Pro repuation, he hasn’t been playing at the level he’s capable of. Not to say he’s not good, because he is, but he needs to lock down his side of the field this week to keep us in this.

Philly’s wide receivers are among the most dynamic in the league. From DeSean to Maclin to Avant you can believe that these receivers can break any game wide open. With their deep threat capability, Brent Celek is given a lot of chances to make short gains. This is a versatile passing game that is almost impossible to control. Our only hope is fundamental containment … maybe that will work.

Advantage: Philadelphia
Philadelphia Wide Receivers

WR
WR
WR
WR
WR


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Dallas Running Backs & Tight Ends

RB
RB
RB
FB
TE
TE
TE

The Cowboys have one of the most impressive running back rotations in the league. Combine that with Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett and even John Phillips and you have yourself a pretty amazing core. Jason Witten is going to tear through Philly’s mediocre front 7 and it’s going to be an all day combination with Tony Romo. Felix will dash, Barber will Smash, and Tash will run that wildcat to perfection, allowing plenty of offensive balance.

This Eagles unit to me is mediocre. Will Witherspoon is talented, but Trotter has lost a step and besides those two the unit as a whole is young. Inexperience will hurt these guys and they will not be able to contain the Cowboys balanced offensive attack.

Advantage: Dallas
Philadelphia Linebackers

OLB
LB
OLB
SS
MLB
MLB
OLB


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Dallas Linebackers

OLB
OLB
MLB
SS
MLB
LB
LB

If you’re a football fan, names like Brooking, Ware, and Bradie James should keep you listening. This linebacker team is the core behind the re-emergence of the Dallas D. Ware and Spencer seem to be almost unblockable while Brooking and James have been wreaking havoc on running backs and tight ends. Most experts would consider this a top 5 unit and it’s going to be hard to break through.

Westbrook is dangerous when healthy and McCoy has potential. However, neither of these two are going to make a difference in this game. Philly has a secret weapon in the run game and that is their fullback, Leonard Weaver. Weaver can run, catch, and block and it’s just plain difficult to gameplan for a fullback with that potential mixed with dangerous running backs. I’m originally from Philly and my father is a die-hard Eagles fan and he repeatedly tells me that Weaver is the difference maker and I believe him.

Advantage: Dallas
Philadelphia Runnings Backs & Tight Ends

RB
RB
RB
FB
TE


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Players To Watch
Sav Rocca
Sav Rocca

P Sav Rocca & Mat McBriar

Special teams are going to have a heavy influence on the outcome of this game. Thats why I’ve highlighted these punters as players to watch. With extremely explosive offenses for both teams you need to give them the longest field possible.

 Mat McBriar
Mat McBriar


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QB Tony Romo

Tony’s been brilliant as of late. Throwing only 1 interception in the last month. It’s not only about his improved play though, it’s been his ability to manage games and read defenses that has attributed to his success. Maybe the hottest quarterback in the league, Tony will have to manage, read, and deliver in this game. It’ll be up to him to make the proper changes and get this offense clicking early.

 Tony Romo
Tony Romo


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DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson

WR DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson is the Eagles X-Factor. There is no doubt he has playmaking ability and explosive potential. In this game he’ll face a defense that has been known for being weak against the deep ball and you have to expect him to be able to find holes. The only question is if he’ll be able to burn up-and-coming CB Mike Jenkins who has played some of his best ball as of late.


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images via yahoo.com

 

Key Injuries


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WR Reggie Brown – Shoulder
(Probable)

C Nick Cole – Knee
(Probable)

S Quintin Demps – Ankle
(Probable)

WR Jeremy Maclin – Foot
(Probable)

QB Micheal Vick – Quadricep
(Probable)

G Max Jean-Gilles – Ankle
(Probable)

T Marc Colombo – Ankle
(Out)

S Pat Watkins – Knee
(Out)

WR Miles Austin – Thumb
(Probable)

CB Terence Newman – Knee
(Probable)

S Gerald Sensabaugh – Thumb
(Probable)

LB DeMarcus Ware – Wrist
(Probable)

Winner

The Cowboys battle hard and won’t lose by a lack of effort but are unable to contain some of the big plays and lose, which might turn out to give them a better road to the playoffs.

Philadelphia 30 – Dallas 24

Keys To The Game

  • Stick DeSean Jackson – DeSean Jackson is one of the most dangerous weapons in the league. It’s his ability to get behind defenders that makes him so good, and Dallas had their share of blown assignments. If Jenkins can stop him, we can win.
  • Destroy Donovan – This is usually a pretty big “no-brainer”. However, this game I don’t just wan’t pressure, we need to destroy Mcnabb, he can’t have time to pick us apart and make his progressions. Constant pressure is the key here.
  • Tony and Roy for Miles – It is important that the pass game is sharp. I’m not exactly impressed by the eagles pass defense, and if we can air it out and score early, we can control the clock by having Philly’s D on their heels anticipating the pass.
  • Special Teams – Field position is key in this game. We can’t give Philly a short field; we can’t afford to blow any assignments in this area.

Some Other Reading

ESPN’S take on this weekends big game.

Why Dallas Must Win